Bicycle Boom

Ah, yes, alternative transportation.

Bicycles are back mainly because the sharp increase in gas prices has made them a practical alternative, said Paul Gaiser, owner of Scooter Commuter in Bethesda, Maryland.

"Above all it's the higher price of gas, but also it's concern for the environment and the cost of another car," Gaiser told AFP.

The average price of gas in the United States has increased 47.3 percent in a year, according to figures published last week by the American Automobile Association.

Gaiser believes the bicycle trend is no passing fad.

"Our sales have quadrupled in the last two months," he said. "I think it's a major paradigm shift. It's here to stay."

Mmm Hmmm. Look Pauly, I don't want to sound like a wet blanket. But these are Americans you're talking about. For most people who buy a bicycle with grand ideas about conservation (and, most likely, weight loss), the saving of fuel and money is going to be disastrously offset by the increase in butt pain in about three days.

The US government has also done its part to promote a more bicycle-friendly environment. Some 3.5 million dollars in federal money has been set aside to create cycling trails over the next four years.

News Story three months from now: American garages, sheds stuffed: US Strategic Bicycle Reserve at unprecedented high, analysts say.

If any of you need a bike, you should be seeing some sweet deals on ebay in no time.

posted by Laura. at 11:15 PM

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